Transport minister marks end of A421 roadworks

Milton Keynes was visited by transport minister Andrew Jones today to celebrate the completion of roadworks which aim to improve journeys to and from the M1.

The newly-dualled section of the A421 and the enlarged Kingston roundabout “will deliver easier, quicker journeys” for people entering from the east to Milton Keynes, he said.

The upgraded road will also help create job opportunities by providing access to the development of 2,900 homes on land allocated for future housing.

Mr Jones said: “Better roads help people get around and get on, as well as bringing long-term benefits to local communities.

“The project improves an important route to Milton Keynes from the M1 and continues the government’s investment in transforming the UK’s road network.”

The Kingston roundabout improvements and dualling of two sections of the A421 received DfT funding through the Local Pinch Point Fund programme, with the government providing £9million of the total £17.4million cost.

The £263 million Local Pinch Point Fund launched in 2013 and is aimed at easing congestion at traffic hot-spots and helping local authorities make upgrades to vital roads and junctions.

With additional funding from developers and other supporters, there is up to £500 million funding available.

Earlier in the day, the minister visited the Transport Systems Catapult (TSC) centre in Milton Keynes, an innovation centre which aims to help to make our roads less congested and polluted through better use of technology, while improving safety and security.

The TSC has received £4.65 million in DfT funding this year and is currently overseeing pioneering projects trialling self-driving cars, and low carbon vehicle technology.